CHAPTER 5

BEAMS REACTIONS, SHEAR FORCE AND BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAM

Definition
A beam is a member that transversely supports loads. It is one of the most important
elements in a building, as long as structural design is concern.

Types of beams
There exist several types of beams; they can be classified according to their supports,
determinacy, and loads.

Classification in terms of determinacy

Beams can be determinate or indeterminate based on the fundamental equations of statics
also known as the equilibrium equation of statics, which are:

Determinate beam

When we say a beam is statically determinate, it means the reactions or all the unknowns of
that beam can be determined by using the fundamental equations of statics above, also known
as the equilibrium equations of static. Such beams are referred to as iso-static beams.

Indeterminate beam
Beams which are considered indeterminate are beams whose numbers of unknown reactions
and in some cases including moment, are more than the equilibrium equations of statics. Such
beams are referred to as hyper-static.

Classification in terms of loads

When classifying beams in terms of loads, there will exist about three type of loading:
uniformly distributed load (UDL), non-uniformly distributed load and point load.

Example 5.1. _______ is a horizontal structural member subjected to transverse loads

perpendicular to its axis.
a) Strut
b) Column
c) Beam
d) Truss
Answer: c
Explanation: A beam is a horizontal structural member subjected to a transverse load
perpendicular to its own axis. Beams are used to support weights of roof slabs, walls and
staircases. The type of beam usually depends upon the span, type of load elasticity and type
of structure.
Example 5.2. Example for cantilever beam is ______
a) Portico slabs
b) Roof slab

30 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

c) Bridges
d) Railway sleepers
Answer: a
Explanation: A beam which is fixed at one end and is free at other end, it is called cantilever
beam. The examples for it are portico slabs and sunshades.

Example 5.3. The diagram depicts _______ kind of beam.

a) Cantilever
b) Continuous
c) Over hanging
d) Propped cantilever

Answer: d
Explanation: A beam which is fixed at one end and free at other end is called cantilever
beam. In this case, some support other than the existing ones may be provided in order to
avoid excessive deflection or to reduce the amount of bending moment, the additional support
is known as a prop. The beam is known as a propped cantilever beam.

Example 5.4. U.D.L stands for?

a) Uniformly diluted length
b) Uniformly developed loads
c) Uniaxial distributed load
d) Uniformly distributed loads
Answer: d
Explanation: These loads are uniformly spread over a portion or whole area. They are
generally represented as rate of load that is Kilo Newton per meter length (KN/m)

Classification in terms of support

Types of support
Simple support (roller support)
A roller support resist motion of the beam only along the direction perpendicular to the plane
of the support as shown below.

31 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

 A A

Isolation

Hinge support (articulated)

A hinge support resist motion of the beam at the support in any direction on the plane of the
support. Hence it consists of two components usually represented by the vertical and
horizontal components as shown below.

Fixed support (embedded)

A fixed support is also made up of two components represented by the horizontal and vertical
component, with a moment written as nu ( ) or simply (mo) depending at what point it is.

A RX A

RY

Isolation

Note:

Example 5.5. A simple support offers only _______ reaction normal to the axis of the beam.
a) Horizontal
b) Vertical
c) Inclined
d) Moment
Answer: b
Explanation: In a simple support there will not be any resistance to horizontal loads, moment
or rotation. In fact, it only offers a vertical reaction normal to the axis of the beam.
Example 5.6. ________ support develops support moment.
a) Hinged
b) Simple
c) Fixed
d) Joint

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Answer: c
Explanation: A fixed support offers resistance against horizontal and vertical movement and
against the rotation of the member and that in turn developers support moment.
Example 5.7. Hinge support is called as __________
a) Socket joint
b) Swivel joint
c) Ball joint
d) Pin joint
Answer: d
Explanation: Hinge support is one, in which the position is fixed but not the direction. In their
words hinged support offers resistance against vertical and horizontal moments.it is fixed in
such a way that it resembles like a pin joint.
Example 5.8. Name the support from following figure.

a) Hinge support
b) Fixed support
c) Free support
d) Roller support
Answer: b
Explanation: In the above figure we can observe that the beam is supported at both the ends
so the beam is fixed at both ends. Hence the support is a fixed support.
Example 5.9. For a simply supported beam, the moment at the support is always __________
a) Maximum
b) Zero
c) Minimum
d) Cannot be determined
Answer: b
Explanation: As the moment is a product of force and perpendicular distance, the flexural
moment at the support is zero because there is no distance at the support.
Example 5.10. “Hinged support offers resistance against rotation”.
a) True
b) False

33 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Answer: b
Explanation: A hinged support offers resistance against horizontal and vertical movement but
not against rotation. It support offers a vertical and horizontal reaction only.
Example 5.11. Hinged supports offers vertical and ________ reaction.
a) Horizontal
b) Moment
c) Rotation
d) Couple
Answer: a
Explanation: A hinged support offers a vertical and horizontal reaction. The pin jointed
support offers resistance against horizontal and vertical movements but not against rotation
Example 5.12. Roller support is same as _____
a) Hinged support
b) Fixed support
c) Simply support
d) Roller support
Answer: c
Explanation: The support reaction is normal to the axis of the beam. It facilitates the vertical
support. It helps the beam to overcome the temperature stresses effectively. It is similar to
simple support.

5.1. REACTIONS OF BEAMS

In this section you will learn how to calculate reaction of beams by applying the fundamental
equations of statics also known as equations of equilibrium and the symmetrical method.

Equations of equilibrium
A structure, for example; a beam is said to be in equilibrium if it maintain a balance of force
and moment. In other words a structure is said to be in equilibrium if the following equations
are satisfied.

( )

( )

( )

Example 5.13. Continuous beams are _________

a) Statically determinate beams
b) Statically indeterminate beams
c) Statically gravity beams
d) Framed beams

34 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Answer: b
Explanation: Fixed beams and continuous beams are statically indeterminate beams which
cannot be analysed only by using static equations.

Example 5.14. A beam which extends beyond it supports can be termed as __________
a) Over hang beam
b) Over span beam
c) Isolated beams
d) Tee beams

Answer: a
Explanation: A Beam extended beyond its support. And the position of extension is called as
over hung portion.

Example 5.15. Units of U.D.L?

a) KN/m
b) KN-m
c) KN-m×m
d) KN
Answer: a
Explanation: As these loads distribute over span the units for this kind of loads will be load
per meter length i.e KN/m. It is denoted by “w” or „„ ‟‟.
Example 5.16. Calculate the reactions of the beam below

Solution
Since the beam is symmetrically loaded, reaction at A equal reaction at B.
That is

35 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Example 5.17. Calculate the reaction forces RA and RB for the 10m long beam.

= 4800

= 480 /

A B A B

5 𝐵

10

Isolation

Solution
The resultant force of the uniformly loaded beam is equal to the area of the rectangle.
Equations of equilibrium
.

Example 5.18. Calculate the reactions RA and RB for the beam below.

Solution
The beam is not symmetrically loaded, from figure using the equations of statics above we
have;
⥅∑

⤽∑ ( ) ( )

( )

Substituting ,

√. / ( )

36 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Example 5.19. Calculate the reaction forces and for a beam with a uniform distributed
load of ⁄

800 ⁄

A B

0.8m 2m 3.2m

Isolation

Solution
Looking at the isolation above one can see that

Taking sum of moment of forces about point A

⤽∑ ( ) ( )
Transposing we have;

From above is known so

Example 5.20. Calculate the reaction forces and of the beam below.

= 10 ⁄

A B A RBx B
𝐵

3.33m 𝐵𝑦

5m 5m

Isolation

37 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Solution
The resultant force W is equal to the area of the triangle and act at the centroid of the triangle.
⁄ ( )
W , the distance from to W is and the

distance from to W is so we take and ,since .

Sum of moment of forces about A
⤽∑ ( ) ( )
Transposing we have
( )

is known ⇒

Examples 5.21. Calculate the reactions of the beam below.

4 ⁄

2KN/m

A B

12m

Solution
The trapezoidal distributed loaded beam is divided into a triangular and rectangular load. The
area of the triangle and rectangle represent the resultant forces. Each of the resultant forces
act at the centroid of their corresponding area as shown below
( ⁄ )( )
( ⁄ )( ) The distance from
point A to is ⁄ ( )⁄
Isolation
𝑦 1

2 ⁄

2 ⁄ 2 ⁄
A B

𝑦 𝐵

6m

8m

12m

38 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Equations of equilibrium

⥅ ⇒

⤽ ( ) ( ) ( )

5.2. SHEAR FORCE DIAGRAM

A shear force diagram (SFD) is the representation of internal forces which are parallel to the
cross-section of the element (beam).In simple language it is a diagram that shows how
shearing occurs in an element. In other to draw the shear diagram we need to developed
equations at various intervals of the beam, this is accomplished by cutting the beam before
and after a force. The internal forces acting at the cross-section after cutting will consist of a
normal force ( ), shear force ( ), and bending moment ( ) as you shall see below.
Example 5.22. SI units of shear force is _______________
a) kN/m
b) kN-m
c) kN
d) m/N

Answer: c
Explanation: As shear force at any section is equal to the algebraic sum of the forces, the
units of the shear force are also in kilo Newton and it is denoted by kN.

Example 5.23. Shear force is diagram is _______ representation of shear force plotted as
ordinate.
a) Scalar
b) Aerial
c) Graphical
d) Statically
Answer: c
Explanation: Shear Force diagram is a graphical representation of the shear force plotted as
ordinate on baseline representing the axis of the Beam.

39 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Example 5.24. Shear force of following diagram

a) Rectangle
b) Square
c) Circle
d) Trapezoidal
Answer: a

Example 5.25. What is variation in SFD, if the type of loading in the simply supported beam
is U.D.L is ____
a) Rectangle
b) Linear
c) Trapezoidal
d) Parabolic
Answer: b
Explanation: The shear force is defined as the algebraic sum of all the forces taken from any
one of the section. If you figure out the SFD for a simply supported beam carrying U.D.L
throughout its entire length, in the SFD we can observe that shear force is same at supports.
In the centre, the shear force is zero. Hence the diagram varies linearly.

Example 5.26. A cantilever beam loaded with udl throughout, the maximum shear force
occurs at____
a) Free end
b) Fixed end
c) At centre
d) At point of contraflexure
Answer: b
Explanation: In a case of a cantilever beam subjected to udl, at the free end there will be zero
shear force because, we need to convert udl to load by multiplying with distance. Hence at
the fixed end the shear force is w×l i.e (maximum).

Example 5.27. In SFD, vertical lines are for ______

a) Point loads
b) UDL
c) UVL
d) LDP

40 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Answer: a
Explanation: Shear Force diagram started from left side of the m as per the load. For point
loads draw vertical lines and under UDL draw slope lines.

Example 5.28. When SF is zero, the bending moment is _____

a) Zero
b) Maximum
c) Very difficult to say
d) Minimum
Answer: b
Explanation: When is shear force changes its sign, the bending moment in a beam will be
either maximum positive or maximum negative. This is because of the sign convention
adopted.
Example 5.29. Calculate the shear forces and draw the shear diagram of the point
load beam below

Solution
The above beam is symmetrically loaded so

First cutting:

The distance from point A to where we cut the beam is not known, we denote that distance by
.
Taking sum of forces about the
⥅ ( )
Taking sum of forces about the 𝑦
( ) , transposing we have ( )

41 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

The distance from to where we cut the beam within the above interval is unknown so
denote it .
Table of values

( )
( ) ( )

Second cutting:

⥅ ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
Table of values

( )
( ) ( )

The shear force diagram

Note: the shear force at A should be equal to the reaction at A

Example 5.30. Draw a complete shear diagram for a simple supported 4m beam with a
uniformly distribution load of ⁄ .

42 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Solution
The resultant force is: ( ⁄ )( ) , the beam is symmetrically loaded so,

( ⁄ )( )

First cutting (viewing from the right):

The distance from point A to where we cut the beam, we denote by Then the resultant
force now becomes .
Taking sum of forces about the 𝑦
( )
( )
( )
To
know the point of zero shear force we equate the above equation to zero

i.e. ( )
Table of values

( )
The table of values reads at ( ) ( )
( ) ( )

43 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Example 5.31. Draw a complete shear diagram for a simple supported 20m beam which has
a uniform distributed load of ⁄ running from the left end for 6m.

Solution
The resultant force of the uniformly distributed loading is equal to the area of the rectangle.
( ⁄ )( )
Taking sum of moment about point A
⤽ ( ) ( )
( )
Transposing we get:

Taking sum of forces about the 𝑦

First cutting:

( )
A
⁄2 ( )

( )

( )
( )
( )
Table of values

( )
44 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS
To know where the shear line crosses the x-axis, we set ( )

( ) ⇒

The shear line crosses the x-axis at

Second cutting: ( )

( )
B
( )

( ) 𝐵

20

Taking sum of forces about the 𝑦

( )
( )
( )

Table of values

( )
Note: ( )

Shear force diagram

45 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Example 5.32. Draw a complete shear diagram for a simple supported 6m beam which has a
non-uniformly distributed load of at the left end of the beam to ⁄ at the right end of
the beam.

Solution
( ⁄ )
The resultant is: , resultant
⁄ ⇒
Isolation

Taking sum of moment about point A

⤽ ( ) ( )
( )⁄ 10KN

Taking sum of forces about the 𝑦

First cutting only:

46 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

 ⁄
The resultant force
Sum of forces about the 𝑦
( )

( )

( )

Table of values

( )
Shear force diagram

( )( )
√ √
⁄
The shear line crosses the x-axis at 3.46m from the left.

47 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Example 5.33. Draw a complete shear diagram for a 20m cantilever beam having a 10KN
point load 14m from the wall.

10

A B

14

20

Solution
First we calculate the unknowns.

Sum of forces about the 𝑦

Sum of forces about the

⥅

√( ) ( ) √( ) ( )

First cutting:

Taking sum of forces about the 𝑦

( )
( )
48 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS
Table of values

( )

Shear force diagram

10

A B

( ) 14

10 10

Example 5.34. Draw the shear diagram the trapezium beam below.

Solution
How the resultant forces are gotten is explained in the reaction section

49 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Sum of moment about point A
⤽ ( ) ( ) ( )
( )

Taking sum of forces about the 𝑦

First cutting only (viewing at the left):

3 ⁄ ( )

A
( )

( )

𝑦 𝑦 𝑦

2⁄
2

( + 3) 3

( )

A
( )

( )

⁄3

⁄2

Sum of forces about the 𝑦

( )
:

( )
Table of values

( )

50 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Shear force diagram

( )

( ) 𝑦 𝑦
𝑦 ( )

𝑥 𝑚 Not valid

5.3. BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAM (BMD)

The moment about any point along a beam is the distance from that point to a force acting
perpendicular to the beam. Moment =force times perpendicular distance i.e. In this
section we will concentrate on drawing the bending moment and shear diagram by looking
for their equations at certain intervals by using the equations of equilibrium.
Example 5.35. A cantilever beam subjected to point load at its free end, the maximum
bending moment develops at the ________ of the beam.
a) Free end
b) Fixed end
c) Centre
d) Point of inflection
Answer: b
Explanation: As the moment is the product of perpendicular distance and force. In cantilever
beam, at its free end the moment will be zero as there is no distance, but at the fixed end the
moment is maximum that is W×l.
Example 5.36. Bending moment in a beam is maximum when the _________
a) Shear force is minimum
b) Shear force is maximum
c) Shear force is zero
d) Shear force is constant

51 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Answer: c
Explanation: The maximum bending moment occurs in a beam, when the shear force at that
section is zero or changes the sign because at point of contra flexure the bending moment is
zero.
Example 5.37. A simply supported beam of span “x” meters carries a udl of “w” per unit
length over the entire span, the maximum bending moment occurs at _____
a) At point of contra flexure
b) Centre
c) End supports
d) Anywhere on the beam
Answer: b
Explanation: As we know that BM occurs at centre. Because at supports the moment is
obviously zero.
Example 5.38. Maximum bending moment in a cantilever beam subjected to udl (w) over the
entire span (l).
a) wl
b) wl3
c) wl2
d) w
Answer: c
Explanation: In a cantilever beam the maximum bending moment occurs at the fixed end.
Moment at the free end is 0 and maximum at the fixed end. Maximum shear force is w×l.
Example 5.39. What is the bending moment at end supports of a simply supported beam?
a) Maximum
b) Minimum
c) Zero
d) Uniform
Answer: c
Explanation: At the end supports, the moment (couple) developed is zero, because there is no
distance to take the perpendicular acting load. As the distance is zero, the moment is
obviously zero.
Example 5.40. What is the maximum shear force, when a cantilever beam is loaded with udl
throughout?
a) w×l
b) w
c) w/l
d) w+l
Answer: a
Explanation: In cantilever beams, the maximum shear force occurs at the fixed end. In the
free end, there is zero shear force. As we need to convert the udl in to load, we multiply the

52 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

length of the cantilever beam with udl acting upon. For maximum shear force to obtain we
ought to multiply load and distance and it surely occurs at the fixed end (w×l).
Example 5.41. What is the maximum bending moment for simply supported beam carrying a
point load “W” kN at its centre?
a) W kNm
b) W/m kNm
c) W×l kNm
d) W×l/4 kNm
Answer: d

Example 5.42. Draw a complete shear and moment diagram for a 9 meter long simple
supported beam having a uniform distributed load of ⁄

4 ⁄

A B

Solution
( ⁄ )
The beam is symmetrically loaded so

First cutting only

The equation of shear force is:

( )
Sum of moment of forces about C
⤽ . / ( )
( ) ( )
( )

53 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Table of values

( )
( )
The table of values reads, at ( ) ( ( ) ( ))
( ) ( ( ) ( ))
Shear force and bending moment diagram

4 ⁄

A B

( )

18

0 4.5 9

18

2 4 ⁄ (9 )2
= 8
= 8
= 40.5 .

Example 5.43. Draw a complete shear and moment diagram for a 12m long simple supported
beam having a non-uniform load.

Solution
⁄

1800

A B

12

54 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Sum of moment of forces about point A
⤽ ( ) ( )
( )

Sum of forces about the 𝑦

First cutting only:

Note: the resultant force is the area of the triangle

The equation of shear force is:

( ) 4 5

Sum of moment of forces about point

⤽ . / ( ) ( )

( ) 4 5

( )( )
Distance where the shear line cut the x-axis: √ √ ⁄

( )
( )
( ) ( )

Table of values

( )
( )

55 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Shear force and bending moment diagram

Example 5.44. Draw completely the shear and bending moment diagram of the beam below.

Solution
⁄ ( )

2 =3

A B
𝐵

𝐵𝑦 𝐵

56 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Sum of forces about the
⥅
Sum of forces about the 𝑦
⁄

: 0 2

( )
A ( )

( )

Sum of forces about the 𝑦

( )
( )

Taking sum of moment of forces about

⤽ ( ) ( )

( )

Table of values

( )
( )

:2 4

2 1.5( 2)

A ( ) ( )

( 2)⁄2 ( )

2 2

57 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Sum of forces about the 𝑦
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
Taking sum of moment of forces about
( )
⤽ ( ) ( )
( )
( ) 4 5

Table of values

( )
( )

Shear force and bending moment diagram

58 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Example 5.45. Write the equation of ( ) and ( ) of the beam below and draw their
respective diagram.

7 ⁄

3 ⁄

A B

Solution
⁄ ( )
⁄ ( )

Sum of moment of forces about A

⤽ ( ) ( ) ( )

Sum of forces about the 𝑦

59 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

First cutting only:

𝑦 ( ) ( )𝑦

( ) ( ). /
Sum of forces about the 𝑦

( )

( )
Taking sum of moment of forces about point

⤽ . / . / ( ) ( )

( )
Table of values

( )
( )

( )
𝑦
( ) ( )
( ) ( )

60 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Shear and bending moment diagram

Example 5.46. Draw the shear and bending moment diagram showing clearly the various
equations and steps

( ⁄ )

61 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Sum of forces about the
⥅
Sum of forces about the 𝑦

√( ) ( )
First cutting only:

Similar to example 16 the resultant force is: . /

Sum of forces about the 𝑦

( )

( ) 4 5

Taking sum of moment of forces about point

⤽ ( ) . /

( ) 4 5

Table of values

( )
( )

62 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

 ( )
𝑦

Shear and bending moment diagram

63 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

 EXERCISES 5
5.1. Shear force is unbalanced _____ to the left or right of the section.
a) Horizontal force
b) Vertical force
c) Inclined force
d) Conditional force
5.2. Determine the moment at fixed end.

a) 40 kNm
b) 50 kNm
c) 60 kNm
d) 80 kNm
5.3. At the point of contraflexure, the value of bending moment is ____________
a) Zero
b) Maximum
c) Can‟t be determined
d) Minimum
5.4. SI units of bending moment is ___________
a) kN
b) kN2
c) kNm
d) km
5.5. Find the reaction at simple support A?

a) 6.5 kN
b) 9 kN
c) 10 kN
d) 7.5 kN
5.6. At hinge, the moments will be _________
a) Maximum
b) Minimum
c) Uniform
d) Zero
5.7. A simply supported beam of span 1 m carries a point load “w” in centre determine the
shear force in the half left of the beam.

64 BASIC APPROACH TO APPLIED MECHANICS FOR TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS